Ironing boards get really gross really easy. All that starch attracts dust and grime like a magnet. Of course, the odd accident with iron-on fusible web or interfacing doesn't help it either. It also doesn't help that an ironing board may turn into a makeshift table that holds juice cups, dirty diapers and the morning cup o' joe.
So, from time to time you may need to think about a new ironing board cover.
Why not make it pretty and make it yourself. It's super easy to do and takes about an hour.

First, fold your fabric lengthwise with right sides together. Then, lay it on top of your cotton batting. Smooth everything down. Next, lay your ironing board on top of the fabric. Measure 4" out from the edges of your ironing board and cut through all the layers. Secure with pins.

Next, sew all the way around the cover with a 1/2" seam, leaving a 6" opening at the bottom. Trim your seam allowances and turn the coverso that the right sides of the fabric are out. Smooth out.

Starting at the bottom, without closing the opening, sew a 1 1/2" casing all the way around the edge of the cover. Make sure to leave the opening open.

Take the ribbon and create a loop and safety pin it together. Slip the knitting needle through the loop. Then use the knitting needle to thread the ribbon through the casing leaving a tail at both ends of the opening.

Place the cover over the ironing board and iron it to smooth out any wrinkles. Then fit over the board and cinch tightly with the ribbon and tie in a knot to secure.